Carrier with shock absorbing material

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention is a safety device designed to be used as a shock absorbing carrier component as an exclusive part of a safety system to deflect the force 90° from its intended course so the deflected force is lessened and will not pass through the carrier at full force, and will specifically and purposefully reduce the force from accidental impact from a rear end collision protecting the passenger(s) from the “rear-to-front”; or any horizontal plane impact force and will lessen the chances of injury when used as a supplemental safety device designed to work in combination with existing safety features found in vehicles and other methods of transport today such as but not limited to smart headrests, seat belts, air bags, crunch zone cells, dashboard and side panel padding which can utilize more mats, sheets or striations of materials composed of differing visco elastic materials in a layer, multiple layers or having proprietary designed patterns and composites; the disclosed invention can be covered with durable fabrics which can be colored or printed with proprietary designs, can be produced with a fire retardant that meets the Underwriters Laboratory 94 V2 standard and manufactured with antimicrobial or antibacterial properties. The disclosed invention can be crafted in different fabrics, colors or can be branded for logo or team identity, while making the world a safer place.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed invention in this application relates to relates to vehicle transport where the reduction of the shock force would be especially valuable in the rear seats of family vans or SUV's closest to the bumper that use a separate chassis with no crumble zones (offering minimal protection from “rear-to-front” horizontal force plane impacts during rear-end collisions where it would operate most efficiently) but the other embodiments are also significant. This application is one presently preferred practical application of the carrier but the other embodiments have other substantial applications which are important and are not limited to only this use as one that is knowledgeable and skilled in the manufacture of these articles can recognize and understand that the other applications presented in the embodiments to include customized attachments such as neck rolls and back supports to be used with the carriers and the attachments can be equally important when used during transport to offer greater protection then presently is available to drivers, handicapped, frail or injured individuals, expensive animals or valuable pets and children.

PRIOR ART

Balensiefer, II, et I. under U.S. Pat. No. 8,991,935 filed on Mar. 31, 2015 for a child safety seat comprising “a resilient member shock absorber including a soft material resilient member having opposing first and second end portions” so “the tensile force is at least partially converted to potential energy stored in the resilient member, wherein the resilient member comprises a foam rubber block, and wherein the safety belt extends through the slit defined between said first and second end portions through the foam block.”

The prior art did not specifically identify or distinguish the use of viscoelastic materials in individual or multiple layers to create a safety device designed to deflect harmful shock forces 90° from its intended course, the disclosed invention uses the layer or layers of viscoelastic material to absorb 75% of the harmful shock forces. The key aspect of the disclosed invention is the essential use and positioning of the viscoelastic material between the shock force and the passenger or cargo to cause the viscoelastic material to become a safety device used to deflect the shock forces from passengers or cargo. Balensiefer uses traditional foam to absorb the shock, whereas the disclosed invention specifically uses viscoelastic materials to purposely deflect the shock force 90° from its intended course.

Kazuyoshi Kaneko and Hiroyuki Ishihara, the inventors of another application (filed as a continuation of Ser. No. 08/563,785 which is now abandoned) for a Vehicle seat and shock-absorbing material, U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,320 A, these inventors use viscoelastic materials for comfort to lessen the vibrations experienced by the rider “A vehicle seat reduces the amount of vibrations from the vehicles engine or riding surface felt by the rider, . . . ” Their focus is the reduction of vibration not deflection of shock forces 90° to construct a safety device.

In their summary of the invention they state, “The present invention includes the recognition that the viscoelastic material of the shock-absorber member in the seat should have a sufficient spring constant that it absorbs and reduces vibrations transmitted to the rider.”

A vehicle seat reduces the amount of vibrations from the vehicles engine or riding surface felt by the rider, without sacrificing the comfort and fitness of the seat. The seat desirably includes a shock-absorbing member layered with a urethane cushion member. The shock-absorbing material comprises a viscoelastic material using a super-soft urethane elastomer as a matrix resin with a low density filler of resinous microballoons. The percent weight ratio between the resinous microballoons and the resin matrix advantageously ranges from 1% to 5%. In order to provide adequate damping without presenting too hard of a feel, the viscoelastic material desirable has a normal storage modulus (E₁) ranging between 0.0628 MPa and 0.234 MPa, and a normal loss modulus (E₂) ranging between 0.0171 MPa and 0.131 MPa.

An additional aspect of the present invention involves a shock-absorbing material comprises a viscoelastic urethane elastomer resin matrix containing a plurality of resinous microballoons. In a preferred embodiment, the shock-absorbing material has a normal storage modulus which is not less than 0.0628 MPa and is not greater than 0.234 MPa. A normal loss modulus of the material desirably is not less than 0.0171 MPa and is not greater than 0.131 MPa. A percentage weight ratio of the resinous microballoons to the viscoelastic urethane elastomer matrix advantageously is not less than 1% and is not greater than 5%.

The disclosed invention is not a device designed to use viscoelastic materials to reduce vibration it is designed to stop shock wave forces from harming whatever is placed upon the carrier by deflecting the force energy 90° away from its present course, protecting the cargo or goods placed on the shock absorbing carrier.

Gross, et all (U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,554 Jul. 31, 1990) (hereinafter “Gross”) in his ‘Background of the Invention’ gives many intricate measurements, percentages and formulas to substantiate his ‘Biomechanical Chair Design′ whose purpose is to “minimize spinal disc force or pressure by having the seated individual's spinal contour partially restored to that which exists when the individual is standing.” He states that “In driving and other work station postures, comfort, practicality and safety limit the adjustability range and benefit any one of these adjustment features.” He then combines the three strategies into his “Biomechanical Chair’ which he states “ . . . is not only (1) a biomechanically correct chair but also (2) a seat adjustment system” which he cites will “configure to each individuals lordosis, kyphosis and cervical curves.”

Gross uses the viscoelastic polymer to protect the seated occupant from shock and vibration from the road and states “shock transmitted through a vehicle to a seat and its occupant has the effect of reducing fluid content of the spinal nucleus pulpous. Repeated shock and vibration therefore plays an important role in the stress distribution capacity of the spine.” Gross states “It is well known that bus and truck drivers have among the highest frequencies of back related injuries. In vehicular applications, vibration attenuation is important to maintain the integrity of the spinal structure.” Gross states “Still another object of the present invention is to provide vibration attenuation by mounting the seat assembly on a viscoelastic material.”

Gross cites “Vibration forces, particularly vertical, can be detrimental to the spinal discs by promoting moisture loss therefore reducing resistance to physical stress. The vibration can be attenuated by the use of a viscoclastic material such as “Sorbothane”. The viscoclastic member is sandwiched between the seat assembly and vibrating deck or frame with the fastener isolation means commonly used in the industry.”

The invention by Bailey, Sr. et all (U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,501 Bland refers to U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,825 B2) (hereinafter “Bailey”) where Bailey's focus is comfort and to the field of ergonomic systems having intelligent adaptive surfaces with temperature control, providing support and an intelligent foundation surface to equalize the pressure applied to the skin along the entirety of the contact area.

Bailey, Sr. provides a number of different ergonomic intelligent adaptive surface selections and thermal control embodiments, providing comfort, cooling and/or heating functions to include cryotherapy on seating surfaces. Bailey targets cryogenic sensors for therapeutic benefits, greater comfort and support. Gross addresses vibration to preserve the spinal column fluid content. Kaneko uses viscoelastic materials for comfort and also to lessen the vibrations experienced by the rider. Prior art does do not use their seats or visco elastic material as a means to reduce the maximum force generated by a shock wave by limiting and deflecting the transmission of the shock energy 90° across a short distance to protect the seated occupants or cargo from injury or damage, creating a shock absorbing safety device, not a vibration inhibiting device for a comfortable ride.

SUMMARY

The disclosed invention in the first embodiment is a carrier comprising a base, a padded or cushion arrangement on said carrier base and a carrier surface skin covering surrounding said carrier cushion arrangement, said carrier cushion arrangement including a pad or cushion member and a shock absorbing member, said shock absorbing member comprising a viscoelastic urethane or polyurethane substance, which can include differing combinations of matrix composites. The shock absorbing member being imbedded inside said carrier cushion member; near, within or next to the surface skin covering where the cargo or passengers will be situated; with said shock absorbing member being specifically installed upon or within the carrier padding or cushion member between or within the cushion or padded member and the carrier surface skin covering member encasing the carrier and shock absorbing material member and will be correctly positioned so the viscoelastic urethane or polyurethane substance, which can include differing combinations of matrix composites, being embedded between said carrier cushion member and closest to the carrier surface skin covering where the passengers, goods or cargo will be placed on this said arrangement to be specifically positioned so the viscoelastic material is compressed when a shock force is passed through the base of the carrier, through the carrier member, through said carrier cushion member, to engage the shock absorbing member where the force of impact is diffused, deflecting the force energy 90° away from its present course, protecting the cargo or goods placed on the shock absorbing carrier member from greater potential injury and loss.

The disclosed invention is to be used exactly and exclusively as a supplemental safety device, designed to work in combination with the right conditions and existing safety features found in most vehicles on today's market. The disclosed invention will lessen the shock wave forces that cause injuries and fatalities then what is currently available for this problem. The disclosed invention can be further modified and can be adapted or customized according to needs and requirements, but is not limited to the embodiments that are contained within this application.

DRAWINGS Embodiment 1 Carrier and Shock Absorber

The disclosed invention would be especially valuable in the rear seats of SUV's that use a separate chassis with no crumble zones offering minimal protection from “rear-to-front” horizontal force plane blows involving crossover SUV's and other similar vehicles. According to a Ford Motor analysis, when a minivan with a third-row occupant is hit from behind, the occupant is killed at least half of the time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The following is a preferred embodiment form of the disclosed invention based on the disclosed images, which are described in detail. The figures illustrate:

FIG. 1—a front perspective rendering of a bench seat folded open;

FIG. 2—a cross section perspective of the bench seat showing the visco elastic layer;

FIG. 3—is a cross sectional view of a cut-out piece of the seat.

Detailed Description of the Disclosed Invention

For this illustration a single upright, open seating surface is presented, though the upper backrest can be folded forward independently.

A vehicle bench seat, for instance the bench seat in FIG. 1, is provided with an upper backrest 1, a seat part 2 and having two side pieces 3, a left side piece (shown) and a right side piece (not seen). The rear bench is one single seating surface but can be divided into several seating surfaces which the disclosed invention can easily be incorporated.

When the seat part area is in the open position in FIG. 1, the disclosed invention cannot be seen or detected and has an undisturbed optical impression it looks like a normal vehicle bench seat. FIG. 2 is a side view of a seat with the disclosed invention being illustrated with the upper protective upholstery layer 4, the disclosed invention as a layer of visco elastic polymer 5 affixed to the upholstery surface, the underside 6 of the disclosed invention which is secured to the vehicle seat padding 7 found inside the seats, the side piece of the seat 3 and the lower front seat portion 2. The lower seat portion 2 has an identical placement of the visco elastic polymer for the disclosed invention as the upper backrest portion of the seat in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view perspective of a cut out portion of the seat having the disclosed invention imbedded into its format. The disclosed invention is illustrated with the upper protective upholstery layer 4, the layer of visco elastic polymer 5, the underside 6 of the disclosed invention which is secured to the vehicle seat padding 7 found inside the seats acting as a comfortable seat. The seating comfort is not influenced in any negative way nor does it detract from any level of comfort in any way.

The appearance and upholstered area of any section of the seat part will not be affected by the disclosed invention, which is attached directly to the upholstery and padding of the vehicle seat. The disclosed invention, when used or displayed in this manner, is not visible and when the seat having the disclosed invention is open or folded down with the backrest part resting on the seat part area of the bench, it does not attract attention to any visible changes in the seat part area when in use.

Embodiment 2 Carrier Cover Brief Description of the Drawings

Referring to the drawings in FIGS. 1-5 is illustrative but not limited to the type of seat for which the disclosed invention in the embodiment as a cover is presented. For this illustration a single upright, open seating surface is presented though the upper backrest portion of the seat can be folded forward independently.

A preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention as a carrier cover will be further described based on the subordinate claims, other objects and advantages will be named or will become apparent from, the specifications and claims, as will modifications of the named embodiment shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective embodiment view of the disclosed invention as a covering for a vehicle seat;

FIG. 2 is a left side cross sectional view of the seat shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view of the back cover section;

FIG. 4 is an upper front exploded perspective view of the seat/carrier cover section;

FIG. 5 is a lower front exploded perspective view of the seat/carrier cover section.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The disclosed invention in the embodiment as a seat covering 01 is shown encasing a vehicle seat in FIG. 1 having a front upper backrest 1 a front lower seat 2 and a back member 8 which are attached or joined 9 to the side panels. The front upper backrest member 1 is comprised of a narrow right side strip 5 which is connected 6 to the middle portion 3 is connected securely 6 to a narrow left side strip 5. The right 5 middle 3 and left 5 are joined together at 6 to form the surface of the front upper backrest which then is joined to the right side piece by a seam 13 to a left side piece 14 and a right side piece 14 to form the upper front backrest 1 in its entirety as depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 has a front lower seat portion 2 and a back member 8 which are attached. The front lower seat member 2 is comprised of a narrow right side strip 7, a middle portion 4 securely connected at 10 and a narrow left side strip also connected at 10 to the middle portion 4. The right 7, middle 4 and left 7 front seat portions are all securely fastened together 10 respectively and join together to form the sitting surface of front lower seat portion 2 of the disclosed embodiment as a cover. This front lower seat portion is joined 12 to a side lower seat piece 11.

The upper front upper backrest 1 is connected 15 to the front lower seat portion 2 and then affixed 9 to the back member 8. This is securely attached to form a compartment case or pocket which slides over the top of the vehicle seat to ensure a secure, attractive fit.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view depicting the middle portion of the disclosed invention in the embodiment as a cover fitted on a carrier depicted here as a vehicle bucket seat with the top layer of fabric material 18 attached to the visco elastic polymer 16 with the disclosed invention then being placed directly on the seat 17. This cross sectional view shows the middle portion of the carrier as a vehicle bucket seat 17 having the visco elastic polymer material 16 depicted resting securely, upon the vehicle seat 17 affixed to the layer of durable material 18 on the front backrest side 18 and the front seat side of the carrier covering the seat.

The cross section depicted in FIG. 2 attached is shown here with the durable layer of material 18 above the visco elastic polymer material 16. The upper and lower front backrest 1 and 2 are illustrated together with a cross sectional view of the seat 3 and 4 individually with the viscoelastic polymer placed or attached directly beneath the upper durable material illustrating how the visco elastic polymer material will protect the neck, spine, hips and knees of the seated passenger (or cargo) from a rear end collision when placed or seated upon the disclosed invention to absorb and diminish the shock force by being aligned perfectly with the person sitting on the carrier cover.

FIG. 3 the upper back portion of the cover, shown here in a rear facing perspective placed on the seat is depicting the carrier cover on the back of a vehicle bucket seat. The back of the carrier cover 8 is made of durable upholstery fabric that is presently found in vehicles and is attached by a seam 9 to the upper side pieces 14 to form the entire upper portion of the front backrest 1 depicted in FIG. 1. The upper front backrest 1 portion of the carrier cover attaches to a left 14 and right side piece 14 to form the upper top portion of the cover compartment which then slides over the top and bottom of the existing vehicle seat ensuring a secure fit by tightly folding under 19 gripping the bottom rear of the vehicle seat 17.

Embodiment 3 Carrier for Safety Seating

Child safety scats presently found on the market do not possess shock absorbing qualities to protect the infant or child from the linear horizontal force plane shock energy generated by a rear-end collision, a roll-over accident or other such unexpected tragedy, only the disclosed invention does offer shock absorbing protection at the present time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The following is a preferred embodiment form of the disclosed invention based on the disclosed images, which are described in detail. The figures illustrate:

FIG. 1—a front perspective rendering of a mat or pad in a flat open position;

FIG. 2—is a right cross section perspective of the bench seat showing the visco elastic layer.

Detailed Description of the Disclosed Invention

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention in the form of a shock absorbing pad or a protective liner for an infant, toddler or child's safety seat or adaptable 3-in-1 chameleon seats which serve multi-use functions using the carrier portion to interlock with different devices. This embodiment enables the carrier to be placed upon an existing safety seat for an infant/toddler carrier adapting to a stroller or carriage insert, or any docking or adapting device that will accept the proprietary device of the manufacturer, any carrier but not limited to infant, toddler and child safety seats, boosters or any carrier that is appropriate for newborn infants to young adults depending on height restrictions found in existing methods of land, nautical or airborne vehicle transport and will protect the passenger or cargo that is placed on the carrier from the shock forces by reducing the impact wave causing gradual deceleration, bringing the mass slowly to rest while reducing the crash force.

A similar design using extra visco elastic material for the shock absorbing cushion pad providing extra safety measures for the small cranium to shield the cervical and cranial areas from horizontal shock force transfer. FIG. 1 number 2, page 1 of 1, embodiment 3 shows the added extra shock absorbing circle for greater protection for the tiny cranium.

Other objects and advantages will be named or will become apparent from, the specifications and claims, as will modifications of the named embodiment shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective embodiment view of the disclosed invention as a pad or cushion for a child safety seat;

FIG. 2 is a right side see-thru sectional view of the disclosed invention as a complete cushion with a fixed layer of visco elastic materials built directly into the seat and including the shock absorbing harness covers used along with other safety features for greater protection;

This specific embodiment of the disclosed invention is to be used as a carrier, a pad or cushion intended to upgrade existing seated transport for infant and children's safety seats and is designed to be a supplemental safety device to be used with other safety devices presently installed in vehicles and in children safety seats. The small passenger, cargo or goods intended for transport will utilize the carrier pad or cushion as a protective barrier to inhibit the strike force plane from injuring or causing damage to the tiny passengers or items placed upon the carrier. Allowances will be made to customize the carrier mat or cushion to allow for supplemental safety devices such as the disclosed invention, the shock absorbing shoulder harnesses to operate at optimal capacity without compromise for the safety of each existing system that is currently in place.

FIG. 1 Illustrates the disclosed invention in the embodiment of a shock absorbing mat, pad or cushion for an infant or child safety seat or “3-in-one” conversion seat and is shown in its front perspective lying flat in FIG. 1 having a front upper headrest 1 with at least one extra layer of visco elastic polymer possessing a soft, comfortable texture (perhaps using a differing durometer) for extra protection to the tiny cranium 2 and a central back, member 3 with side wings for extra protection 4 the seat portion is a point where the lower side wings 4 meet with the seat portion 5 and the lower leg portions are positioned 6. The entire carrier can be made of a single sheet of visco elastic polymer when embodying the mat or pad 7.

This forms the front perspective layer of the cushion lying flat in FIG. 1. The disclosed invention can be covered with durable fabrics, more foam for greater positioning and comfort when embodying a shock absorbing cushion or it has a back portion which is the back of the visco elastic material in the embodiment of a pad or mat having a sturdy material that would be made of durable appropriate existing materials found in pads, or covers presently. In the manufacture of a shock absorbing carrier in the embodiment of a cushion (at least one layer of) the visco elastic material is sandwiched between padding material and fabric will envelope the entire cushion with the disclosed invention being placed on the side touching the small passenger on top of the padding or cushion.

FIG. 2 Illustrates a right side see-thru sectional view of the disclosed invention as a complete cushion with a fixed layer of visco elastic material built directly into the shell of the safety seat 8; having an upper back portion 9 (which can be reinforced with an additional layer(s) of visco elastic material offering extra protection to the tiny cranium), a lower back portion 10 a seat portion 11 and a lower leg portion 12. The side wings 13 are attached to the upper back portion 9 a lower back portion 10 and the seat portion 11 and the lower leg portion 12 in a continuous connection 14 merging all parts with or without a fold or seam and can be continuous and comfortable 14 when embodying the shock absorbing infant safety seat.

FIG. 2 is illustrated here with the shock absorbing safety harness shown here installed with the shock absorbing baby safety seat as a supplemental safety device to be used with the existing safety technologies found in vehicles and children's transport carries at the present time. FIG. 2 shows the shoulder belts covered with another of the disclosed invention's embodiment, the harness cover 15 for the upper body is shown here as a supplemental safety device being used concurrently with the carrier as a shock absorbing safety seat, the right upper body harness is completely covered by the disclosed invention in the embodiment of a harness cover on the right shoulder strap 15 while the left shoulder harness covering is shown with a cut-a-way harness cover view 16 showing the buckle partially covered with the visco elastic material and the shoulder harness underneath revealed in a cut-a-way view of the left strap 17 with the lower hip restraint straps 18 also enveloped with the disclosed invention as the shock absorbing harness covers are in use with visco elastic material protection under the buckle/fastener of the infant safety seat for additional protection.

An added enjoyment is that not only will it be a protective safety device but the disclosed invention will improve the appearance of the interior seating, is waterproof, flame retardant and the top layer 18 depicted in FIG. 2 can be further embellished.

Embodiment 4 Carrier and Shock Absorbing Harness

The main function of the disclosed invention is to provide a shock absorbing cover or harness as a supplemental safety device to be used with current safety systems protect the passenger, rider, occupant, etc. lessening and diminishing the shock forces that may stress or cause harm to the occupant.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention as a shock absorbing seatbelt or cover, illustrating their features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious shock absorbing seat belt or seatbelt or harness/strap cover shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

These drawings include the following:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention as a safety harness addition covering the shoulder strap and lap belt;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disclosed invention of FIG. 1, illustrating a covering over a strap or belt member;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional perspective side view of the preferred embodiment of the present shock absorbing seatbelt cover wrapped around a safety belt;

FIG. 4 is a flat detailed perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present shock absorbing seatbelt cover.

This and all the items can be customized to accommodate many special situations, different and unusual features that may arise, including but not limited to other objects and advantages will be pointed out or be apparent from, the specifications and claims, as will obvious modifications of the single embodiment shown in the drawings here, in which:

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The preferred embodiment of the present seatbelt protector 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1 showing a tube or cylindrical cover or sheath surrounding or encircling the seatbelt or any other harness or strap. The covers are composed of an upper shoulder covering 2 and a lower lap belt covering 3 which is slid over the seated passenger's lap or hips and is adjusted comfortably to fit each individual and offer shock absorbing protection to the occupant or cargo. The same placement and comfort that is presently found in vehicles with the existing 3 point safety harness or belts but this is a utilitarian supplemental safety device to be used with the existing safety systems found in vehicles on the market today.

In FIG. 1 either section 2 or 3 of the cover comprises a set length of rectangular fabric encasing a visco elastic polymer in the side worn next to the body of the seated passenger. FIG. 2 Showing the first upper surface 4 of the protector between the front or first side 4 and second edge or the back 5 having the layer of visco elastic polymer that will be placed upon the inside of the fabric that will directly touch the passengers body 5, include an edge having fasteners 6 that will cause the rectangle to tri-fold into a cylindrical tube which will encase the safety belt. Those having common sense or skill in the art will appreciate that the fasteners secure the edges joining the opposite edges to form a tube that has the shock absorbing visco elastic material fixed into the cover 6 in such a way to wrap around enclosing the seat belt or any strap quickly and easily being installed.

The cover in FIG. 3 is shown in a cross sectional side view perspective. It can be constructed of any durable material to cover one side of upper outside 7 that can be decorated or embellished with a logo, color or fabric, the visco elastic polymer can be manufactured so that it is waterproof, antibacterial and fire retardant and durable. This sleeve or tube is placed over the seatbelt 8 and attached with a fastener such as Velcro at the edges 10 with the visco elastic polymer 9 placed directly on the opposite edge of the durable cover that comes into contact with the wearer's body.

In FIG. 4, the disclosed invention as a shock absorbing harness/belt cover has areas that fasten 11 and 12 and with a Velcro method with, the short end edges 13 and 14 from which the belt will extend outwards 15 when in use as shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 as shown in FIG. 2.

The disclosed invention is appropriate for use with any safety harness, airline belts, thrill craft or any device that has the form or function of a harness, strap or belt which would benefit from shock absorbing properties.

Embodiment 5 Carrier and Shock Absorber for Patient Transport

It is, therefore, an object of the disclosed invention to provide a fixed or removable mat, cushion or pad of varying layers and durometers for shock absorbing properties depending upon the conditions and demands that the carrier would have to endure; it is recommended that for rescue devices that a customized model be designed for maximum efficiency which would offer greater comfort and lessen stress but not interfere with any function of the device during transport to carry and hold the sick or injured party directly upon the disclosed invention, steadily but securely during extraction transport having shock absorbing means as an integral part of the disclosed invention for better comfort and medical needs when being moved out of remote, desolate areas or rough, uneven terrain.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The following is a preferred embodiment form of the disclosed invention based on the disclosed images, which are described in detail. The figures illustrate:

FIG. 1—a top perspective rendering of a mat or pad in a flat open position installed in a plastic basket stretcher;

FIG. 2—a top perspective rendering of a mat or pad in a flat open position not installed showing the visco elastic layer:

Detailed Description of the Disclosed Invention

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention in the form of a pad or a protective liner for a rescue basket, stretcher, litter, gurney or other rescue carrier. This embodiment enables the carrier to be placed upon an existing rescue transport carrier device or any carrier that is appropriate for carrying anyone or anything that is injured.

FIG. 1 Illustrates the disclosed invention in the embodiment of a shock absorbing visco elastic polymer mat, pad or cushion for emergency transport possessing a soft, comfortable texture of a specific durometer is shown installed and positioned in its front perspective 2, lying flat in a basic plastic basket stretcher 1. The molded-in runners and handholds 3 are still easily accessible and not impeded in any way. The quick release patient restraints 4 are easy to use and assess and permit the responders to easily adjust the straps to fit the patient.

FIG. 2 is showing the carrier uninstalled 5 having at least one layer of visco elastic polymer possessing a soft, comfortable texture. The entire carrier can be made of a single sheet of visco elastic polymer when embodying the mat or pad 6.

The disclosed invention can be covered with durable fabrics, made to have great fire resistant properties, be manufactured to have antibacterial properties or topped with more foam for greater positioning and comfort when embodying a shock absorbing carrier pad or mat The top portion which is the part of the visco elastic polymer that the injured patient will be placed lying down on the disclosed invention in the embodiment of a pad or mat on a rescue stretcher depending on restrictions found in existing methods of land, nautical or airborne vehicle transport.

Function

At the present time there are not many improvements to the existing vehicle seats besides being heated or cooled that will provide greater safety for the occupant or goods during normal transport. Contemporary seats for transport are designed for comfort with a lumbar support or a memory foam insert but are not designed to be a protective safety device to shield the occupant from shock wave forces by removing the force transmission to protect the seated occupant or goods that are placed upon the disclosed invention.

In the case of aircraft travel where the occupant or cargo may be ejected or undergo tremendous forces in space travel upon re-entry (the astronaut will plunge into the atmosphere in a crash seat custom poured for the individuals' body with a 4 point harness across their shoulders and waist fastened by a big buckle) the shock absorbing carrier could greatly improve the comfort and quality of re-entry into earth's atmosphere and landing with the shock energy force being decreased lessening the chances of injury.

When the disclosed invention is used exactly and exclusively as a supplemental safety device, designed to work in combination with the right conditions and existing safety features found in most vehicles on today's market it will lessen the shock wave forces that cause injuries and fatalities then what is currently available for this problem. The disclosed invention can be further modified and can be adapted or customized according to needs and requirements.

The prior art did not recognize or utilize viscoelastic materials in individual or multiple layers as a safety device to deflect harmful shock forces 90° from its intended course, thereby using the layer or layers of viscoelastic material to absorb 75% of the harmful shock forces. The key aspect of the disclosed invention is the essential positioning of the viscoelastic material between the shock force and the passenger or cargo to cause the viscoelastic material to become a safety device used to protect the passenger from shock forces.

CONCLUSION

At the present time there are not many improvements to the existing vehicle seats besides being heated or cooled that will provide greater safety for the occupant or goods during normal transport. Contemporary seats for transport are designed for comfort with a lumbar support or a memory foam insert but are not designed to be a protective safety device to shield the occupant from shock wave forces by removing the force transmission to protect the seated occupant or goods that are placed upon the disclosed invention.

In the case of aircraft travel where the occupant or cargo may be ejected or undergo tremendous forces in space travel upon re-entry (the astronaut will plunge into the atmosphere in a crash seat custom poured for the individuals' body with a 4 point harness across their shoulders and waist fastened by a big buckle) the shock absorbing carrier could greatly improve the comfort and quality of re-entry into earth's atmosphere and landing with the shock energy force being decreased lessening the chances of injury when using the disclosed invention.

When the disclosed invention is used exactly and exclusively as a supplemental safety device, designed to work in combination with the right conditions and existing safety features found in most vehicles on today's market it will lessen the shock wave forces that cause injuries and fatalities then what is currently available for this problem. The disclosed invention can be further modified and can be adapted or customized according to needs and requirements.

The disclosed invention can lessen the potential for greater injury by reducing the force wave of energy that is directed at passengers during rear-end collisions. There are no safety standards on what makes a vehicle seat “industry safe” or “crash-worthy” nor are there any distance requirements for third seat safety or crush space cell in vehicles.

The disclosed invention in the above disclosed embodiments demonstrate how the carrier can have many related functions and purposes. The disclosed invention as an adaptable form for any method of transport whether designed for the front individual style of seating or the longer bench type of back seats in current vehicles would be especially valuable in the rear seats of SUV's or large vehicles that use a separate chassis with little or no crumble zones offering minimal protection from “rear-to-front” horizontal force plane blows involving crossover SUV's and other similar vehicles. According to a Ford Motor analysis, when a minivan with a third-row occupant is hit from behind, the occupant is usually a child, is killed at least half of the time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reports out of the 6 million car accidents on U.S. roads every year, over 40% of them (2.5 million) are rear-end collisions; on Nov. 14, 2012 it reported that 28% of reported crashes are rear-end collisions. On May 29, 2014 the Associated Press published an article that vehicle accidents cost $871 billion a year. Another estimate reports 2.3 million rear collisions in 2000 or 21.7% of all accidents, according to the latest-available federal statistics, but no reporting system exists. The actual number of whiplash injuries per year is unknown.

The economic cost was the equivalent of nearly 2 percent of the country's gross domestic product in 2010. The disclosed invention in combined or differing embodiments can transform this equation when considering the total damage of $871 billion caused by accidents with a conservative estimate of 28% rear end collisions.

The disclosed invention when used as a shock absorbing carrier component of a safety system will specifically and purposefully reduce the force from accidental impact during a rear end collision to protect the passenger(s) from the “rear-to-front”; or any horizontal plane impact force and will lessen the chances of greater injury when used as a supplemental safety device designed to work in combination with existing safety features found in vehicles and other methods of transport today such as but not limited to smart headrests, seat belts, air bags, crunch zone cells, dashboard and side panel padding.

At the present time there are not many improvements to the existing vehicle seats besides being heated or cooled that will provide greater safety for the occupant or goods during normal transport. Contemporary seats for transport are designed for comfort with a lumbar support or a memory foam insert but are not designed to be a protective safety device to shield the occupant from shock wave forces by removing the force transmission to protect the seated occupant or goods that are placed upon the disclosed invention.

By decreasing the harmful or fatal force to a potential shock wave plane will help to create a less harmful outcome then is presently available to the general public when vehicles are equipped with the disclosed invention in the differing embodiments of shock absorbing carriers, pads, cushions and harness covers; we certainly must consider a safer outcome that can protect us from loss of life, harm, pain and offer great protection than is presently on the market. The disclosed invention can lessen the potential for greater injury by reducing the force wave of energy that is directed at passengers during rear-end collisions. There are no safety standards on what makes a vehicle seat “industry safe” or “crash-worthy” nor are there any distance requirements for third seat safety or crush space cell in vehicles.

The disclosed invention when used as a shock absorbing carrier component of a safety system will specifically and purposefully reduce the force from accidental impact during a rear end collision to protect the passenger(s) from the “rear-to-front”; or any horizontal plane impact force and will lessen the chances of greater injury when used as a supplemental safety device designed to work in combination with existing safety features found in vehicles today such as but not limited to; headrests that slide up during a rear-end accident, seat belts, air bags, crunch zone cells, dashboard and side panel padding.

By decreasing the harmful or fatal force to a potential shock wave plane will help to create a less harmful outcome then is presently available to the general public when vehicles are equipped with the disclosed invention in the differing embodiments of shock absorbing carriers, pads, cushions and harness covers; we certainly must consider a safer outcome that can protect us from loss of life, harm, pain and offer great protection to our children and elderly than is presently on the market.

The different embodiments all have the common thread of reducing shock forces while in transport upon a carrier, whether the transportation is during space travel, air travel, sea transport, vehicle transport, thrill craft, recreational vehicles carrying adults, children, livestock, pets, elderly, handicapped or individuals with special needs, cargo or any custom or valued item that can be moved during transport, the shock absorbing carrier can offer greater protection than is presently available.

The disclosed invention answers the problems of reducing vehicle rear-end injuries and loss offering advantages of greater shock absorption, the disclosed invention decreases the impact forces in most linear force planes but especially in the “rear-to-front” horizontal force plane. The viscoelastic material will express a greater out-of-phase time relationship between a shock impact and the transmission of the force through the shock absorbing carrier to the passengers or cargo placed or seated upon the carrier. The viscoelastic material is an integral part of the disclosed invention to reduce the impact force while expressing a greater out-of-phase time relationship between the shock impact wave and the transmission of force through gradual deceleration, reducing the impulse force of the shock wave over a longer period of time. This would offer the seated passengers or living cargo greater protection than currently exists in regular transportation seating available today.

The vehicle seats at present are not designed to protect us from any linear rear impact forces directed from behind extending in the same direction. The disclosed invention is a shock absorbing carrier, carrier cover or carrier pad and is designed to be a supplemental safety device created to work best in combination with existing safety features such as “active head restraints”, which automatically move up and forward to catch a person's head in a rear crash. But they are only effective if each occupant takes the time to adjust them properly, most people don't, which increases their risk of serious injury. Seat belts, air bags, the crunch zone cell, dashboard and side panel padding are not adequate protection from the shock forces that cause the rapid snapping back of a person's head during a collision.

The rear end impact is especially dangerous when a vehicle with a larger mass strikes a smaller vehicle from behind. This can have lethal results especially at high speed. The disclosed invention will reduce the shock force wave that appears, preserving lives and lessening injuries. The disclosed invention would be especially valuable in the rear seats of family vans or SUV's that use a separate chassis with no crumble zones offering minimal protection from “rear-to-front” horizontal force plane impacts.

The viscoelastic material is an integral part of the disclosed invention reducing the impact force while expressing a greater out-of-phase time relationship between the shock impact wave and the transmission of force through gradual deceleration, reducing the impulse force of the shock wave over a longer period of time by changing the angle of force 90° from its intended course of momentum. The disclosed invention will help to save lives, reduce personal injuries and property damage and has the added enjoyment of improving the appearance of worn or damaged interior seating. This would offer the seated passengers or living cargo greater protection than currently exists in regular seating available today providing us with a direction to proceed to begin addressing increased safety features for our most precious cargo, our passengers. 

1. A Carrier comprising: A force absorption carrier comprising: A carrier having a rounded shape defining a convex cavity with an external protective surface back or plastic shell; a cushion contained within the outer protective surface; resting in the convex indentation; a shock absorbing mat or layer placed between the carrier and the cushion wherein the shock absorbing mat is affixed to the interior portion of the convex indentation, and a buckle fastened to the lower portion of the carrier, wherein the buckle protrudes through apertures in the shock absorbing mat and the cushion.
 2. A Carrier comprising: A force absorption carrier comprising: A carrier having a rounded shape defining a convex cavity with an external protective surface back or plastic shell; a cushion contained within the outer protective surface; resting in the convex indentation 2 or more shock absorbing mats or layers placed between the carrier and the cushion wherein the shock absorbing mat is affixed to the interior portion of the convex indentation, and a buckle fastened to the lower portion of the carrier, wherein the buckle protrudes through apertures in the shock absorbing mat and the cushion.
 3. A Carrier comprising: A force absorption carrier comprising: A harness having shock absorbing means either built directly into the safety harness straps and buckle; a shock absorbing mat or layer placed between the safety harness and the passenger, and a shock absorbing mat or layer placed between the buckle or fastener and the passenger, is attached to the interior portion of the harness, and a buckle having a shock absorbing mat or layer fastened to the back portion of the buckle and is positioned to be compressed against the passenger during compressive distortion of the shock absorbing member, wherein the buckle protrudes through apertures in the shock absorbing mat and the cushion;
 4. A Carrier comprising: A force absorption carrier cover comprising: a carrier cover constructed of fabric having a form as defined by the seat that it will enclose, having 1 or more shock absorbing mats or layers placed between the carrier and the cushion wherein the shock absorbing mat is affixed to the interior portion of the fabric cover, and a buckle fastened to the lower portion of the carrier, wherein the buckle protrudes through apertures in the shock absorbing mat and the cushion.
 5. A Carrier comprising: A force absorption carrier pad comprising: A carrier cover constructed of fabric having a form as defined by the pad that it will enclose, Having 1 or more shock absorbing mats or layers placed between the external fabric of the pad, wherein the shock absorbing mat is affixed to one or more of the sides of the exterior surface(s) of the cushion and fabric cover disposed in such a way to contact the shock absorbing material affixed to the cushion surface with a buckle fastened to the lower portion of the carrier, wherein the buckle protrudes through apertures in the shock absorbing mat and the cushion. 